Which is the most popular engine in the BMW 1 Series?

The older 118d diesel powertrain has been among the most popular, but it isn't available in the newer models. This diesel engine had a good balance of value and power, rated at 148bhp. The most popular petrol engine is the 118i, likely because it's the entry level in the lineup, making it the most affordable to buy.

Which are the most popular trim levels?

The new 1 Series comes in five trims: SE, Sport, 128ti, M Sport and M135i. The M Sport is among the most popular in the used market because of its upgraded performance and styling features, including upgraded suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and special 'M' trim detailing.

Is the BMW 1 Series a good family car?

Even though it's a compact hatchback, the BMW 1 Series is a good car for families. While it can be tight for adults in the rear seat, there's plenty of room for children, and ISOFIX points are included for child seats.

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW 1 Series?

BMW hasn't fitted a hybrid powertrain to the 1 Series yet. It has only been offered with traditional petrol and diesel engines.

Is the BMW 1 Series available as an automatic?

The 1 Series has been available as an automatic and with a manual gearbox. Both of these are popular among the used models, so it should be easy for customers to find the example that suits their needs.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

The BMW 1 Series started as a rear-wheel drive car. It was later reconfigured to have front-wheel drive as standard. The top specification M135i is equipped with all-wheel drive, as are some variants of the 120d. Look out for cars badged as xDrive - this is the name of BMW's all-wheel drive system.

2,720 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£18,296

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£21,499

1.5L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 116i Sport ULEZ Petrol Manual 3 Door

£6,495

1.6L
94.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bristol Auto Hub

01172331341 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

2L
48.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118I M Sport 5dr

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richlee Motor Company Billericay

01277281160 *

BMW 1 Series2009 - 2.0 118d Edition ES 3 door

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Knarly Ltd

01302246827 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£20,114

3L
61.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu SEAT Derby

01332318533 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BELLE VUE MOTORS

01697920510 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£24,498

1.5L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glenrothes)

01592803918 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116D M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,999

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Imperial Auto Trade LTD

02037636638 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 120d M Sport 3dr Step Auto

Reduced

£6,195

Finance available £116 pm

2L
125.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

4 FAB WHEELS

02039122513 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
71.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Crawford Cars

02892448214 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 118d M Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JD Motors Ltd

01229260010 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,500

Finance available £524 pm

1.5L
4.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sarah Cox Cars Ltd

01623706190 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,700

Finance available £426 pm

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - BMW 118i 1.5 Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,307

1.5L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Baylis Worcester

01905947509 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,999

1.5L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

Why buy a used BMW 1 Series?

If you're in the market for a car that's practical, fun to drive and stylish, then a used BMW 1 Series is a fantastic choice. With BMW build quality, a used 1 Series provides luxury motoring at an affordable price. The interior offers supportive seating, high-tech features and upscale materials that provide a refined driving experience.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros

Economical diesels
Fun to drive
Excellent build quality

Cons

Lack of hybrid/electric model
Limited cabin and boot space
Firm ride

Read our BMW 1 Series review

BMW 1 Series video review

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Used BMW 1 Series buying guide

Engines and transmissions

The BMW 1 Series has been available with petrol and diesel engines, a manual or an automatic gearbox, and rear, front or four-wheel drive.

Petrol

1.5-litre 118i produces 134bhp for a 0-60mph time of 8.6 seconds and an efficiency rating of up to 49.6mpg. This is the most popular engine.
2.0-litre 128ti boosts the output to 261bhp, giving it a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds and an efficiency rating of 40.9mpg.
3.0-litre M135i tops the range with 315bhp and a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds, but the efficiency drops to 35mpg.

Diesel

1.5-litre 116d makes 114bhp for a 10-second 0-60mph time and a rating of up to 62.8mpg.
2.0-litre 120d outputs 187bhp to reduce the 0-62mph time to 7.3 seconds, while still maintaining efficiency of up to 57.6mpg.
Older 118d creates 147bhp and was one of the most popular options.

Practicality

Despite being a compact car, the 1 Series hatchback provides a surprising amount of room, making it practical for everyday driving.

Interior space

Front seats are supportive and offer a lot of room.
Rear seats can be tight for adults on long drives.
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats are easy to access.

Boot space

380-litre boot compares with the Audi A3.
Folding the rear seats down opens up 1,200 litres of room.
Available 40:20:40 split folding seats allow for the middle seat to be folded independently.

Bodystyles

Five-door hatchback has been the main body style since its introduction.
Three-door hatchback was discontinued after the second generation.
Two-door coupé was available for part of the first generation, later joining the 2 Series lineup.
Two-door convertible was only available during the first generation, but later became part of the 2 Series lineup.

Safety

Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating given in 2019.
87% rating for child occupant and an 83% adult occupant rating.
Standard safety kit includes parking sensors (front and rear), cruise control and LED headlights.

Technology

10.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional driver display matches the 3 Series.
Larger 10.3-inch infotainment system display replaced the smaller 8.8-inch model.
Available wireless device charging.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros